Spain, France favoured at Blind Football Euros

Host nation Italy will hope to make the most of their home advantage as they aim to claim their first continental title.

The ninth edition of the IBSA Blind Football European Championships are set to kick off on Saturday (15 June) in Loano, Italy, as eight countries will go head-to-head on the pitch.

France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy Russia, Spain and Turkey will all aim to become Europe’s best.

The competition is targeted at those completely blind in the B1 class, with the goalkeeper being the only exception.

Spain – who have won the tournament six times – and France – who have won it twice – are expected to be the favourites heading into the event.

Both medalled at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, with France picking up silver and Spain defeating Argentina in the bronze-medal game.

Host nation Italy will hope to make the most of their home advantage as they aim to claim their first continental title.

Beginning on Saturday (15 June) four games will be played each of the first three days of the event. The semi-finals will take place on 19 June, followed by the seventh-place game on 20 June and the third and fifth-place games on 21 June.

The gold medal matchup is scheduled for 18:00 on 22 June.

The event will be hosted by FISPIC, the Italian Paralympic Sport Federation for the Blind and Partially Sighted, and they hope it will build off the success from the last Championships held in Hereford, Great Britain in 2010.